Physician - Primary Care

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Education and length of practice are considered through a formal pay-setting process to determine the final compensable salary (Base Pay + Market Pay)

• Primary care physicians will be responsible for delivery of primary care to all patients enrolled in VA Medical Center Fargo healthcare system. The provider will manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in the outpatient clinic setting.
• Primary providers in the outpatient setting are typically assigned a panel of patients to manage. Panel size currently is determined by utilizing VHA PCMM software. Panel size is determined at the National level, through a complex formula which extracts local information regarding the acuity of assigned patients, available support staff, and the number of exam rooms. Each provider's panel size is specific to their practice and setting.
• Alternative or collateral duties may include management of a subsection of primary care patients, the subsection may be defined either by a disease status (e.g. spinal cord injury patients), or demographic status (women veterans, OIF / OEF veterans, employees etc). Typically, these duties are designated at the time of joining but occasionally during employment, participation in special projects pertinent to assigned section may be necessary as the projects become available through strategic or other initiatives.
• Applying for and keeping inpatient privileges active is optional for primary care providers. When on inpatient duty, primary care provider is expected to participate in discharge planning and other interdisciplinary patient care plan activities. They must participate in sign-in and out rounds daily. During this time information regarding patient status should be discussed with the oncoming physician / MOD and ensure proper hand off at the end of the shift.
• Physicians may be assigned duty as a supervising or collaborating physician for a mid-level provider. Physicians are expected to provide clinical oversight and review. Supervising or collaborating responsibilities and performance will be noted in the physician's performance evaluation.
• Most providers will need to act as surrogates for the patients of their colleagues, when one or more of their colleagues are on leave.
• Each full-time provider is required to work a minimum of 80 hrs per pay period (every two weeks) unless on leave status. Compressed work schedule, four 10 hour work days available.
• All physicians need to follow departmental and VHA policies for leave and attendance and will work within Title 38 appointment guidelines. Currently VHA guidelines do not permit comp time or overtime pay for physicians. However, physicians who are asked to work outside their normal assigned tour of duty may request administrative leave for rest and relaxation. Leaves should be requested in as much advance as possible to minimize patient cancellations. All unscheduled absences must be properly communicated, and patients should be rescheduled within a time frame as specified in the department's policies.
• Timely documentation is necessary in all areas in accordance with departmental policy. All administrative work should be completed in a timely fashion.
• All physicians will meet the work relative value unit (RVU's) as determined by the national office for primary care providers.
• Provider will be required to be a designated women's provider and complete the mandatory VHA training.
• All other duties as assigned.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.

Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment) : Learn more.

EDRP Authorized : Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Pay : Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases

Paid Time Off : 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)

Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure : 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

CME : Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)

Malpractice : Free liability protection with tail coverage provided

Contract : No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

Work Schedule : Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1630